After talks broke down between the NRL and Tones and I, INXS lead singer Jon Stevens is one of several music stars willing to perform at this year's Grand Final as the pre-game entertainment.
On September 5, the NRL started discussions with Tones and I about performing at the Grand Final on October 4.
Reports from News Corp have indicated that there were 'artistic differences' as the NRL wanted Tones and I to perform their biggest song, Dance Monkeys.
However, Tones and I explained on social media that scheduling conflicts are why the NRL won't see them perform, as they are set to perform in the United States with Macklemore.
The NRL budgeted $1 million for the pre-game entertainment for an 11-minute performance.
Peter V'landys confirmed that instead, the money will be spent on grassroots and junior rugby initiatives.
Stevens has said he and some Australian artists are willing to perform and would donate any fee to Head and Neck Cancer Australia on John Farham's behalf.
Shannon Noll has also offered his services to perform on Grand Final day, making a post on Instagram.
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V'landys spoke about the pre-game entertainment possibilities on the Today Show on the Nine Network Wednesday morning.
“I have been inundated with emails from young Australian performers that want to perform at the grand final,” V'landys told the Today Show on the Nine Network.
“We have even had an international star that has said if we donate money to his charity that he would possibly do it.
“We have plenty of entertainment. Our entertainment is our game. We have a festival of rugby league all day.
“It's a bit like buying a cheeseburger for the pickle. You don't do that. People come to our game for the game.”
It is understood that, instead of pre-game entertainment, the NRLW Grand Final will be played prior to and after the game; they will continue their tradition of recognising players who have retired from the NRL and NRLW this year.
Last year's grand final saw Teddy Swims perform, which was received positively, and The Kid Laroi in 2024, who is from Redfern and a fan of the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Jimmy Barnes and Macklemore have also performed in the best, with Macklemore's performance playing a huge role in 2017 with his performance of his 2012 hit, Same Love, which advocates for marriage equality and LGBTQIA+ rights.
Australia was in the middle of their Marriage Law Postal Survey, which played a huge role in whether the country would legalise same-sex marriage.
There will also be DJs before the national anthem and kick-off, while the NRL are working on plans to use half-time as a way to boost engagement with fans.
